Girl Scouts' Centennial Day of Service creates lasting impact in Spring Valley

Wednesday, October 10, 2012 5:45 AM

On Oct. 13, Girl Scouts in Spring Valley and Wykoff will celebrate their final Girl Scout Centennial event by working together to improve the local watershed.

Taking place in all 49 counties of the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys Council, the Centennial Day of Service: 2012 Take Action Project is designed to remove 20,000 pounds of phosphorus, prevent 10 million pounds of algae growth, and save $6 million in cleanup costs through a one-day effort.

Fifty two girls in the Spring Valley and Wykoff area will spend the day raking leaves and grass from storm drain surfaces and public areas, distributing door hangers in neighborhoods to raise awareness, and marking storm drains with an "Only Rain Down the Storm Drain" message.

Every year, thousands of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa waterways are polluted with runoff and other contaminants. In partnership with the Freshwater Society and with support from 3M, River Valleys' Centennial Day of Service honors Girl Scouts' longstanding tradition of service and gives back to communities that have embraced Girl Scout troops for decades.

In Spring Valley, girls will gather at the Community Center starting at 3:45 p.m. All helpers will be placed in groups around the town to do leaf cleanup from 4 to 6 p.m. Following the cleanup, there will be a celebration/supper for all who helped with the leaf cleanup from 6 to 7 p.m.

To learn more about the Centennial Day of Service: 2012 Take Action Project, visit GSRV100.org.